Bulls F Nikola Mirotic continues fourth-quarter excellence

(3/24/15) When it comes to clutch play, no one has been better in March than Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic, who is averaging a league-high 9.5 points in the final period since March 1, per ESPN.com.

Coming off the bench, Mirotic scored 14 points in the fourth to help the Bulls defeat the Hornets Monday and is averaging more than 20 points and 8 rebounds in March.

"I'm playing in all the games," Mirotic told the Chicago Sun-Times. "I'm playing plus-30 minutes, and it's a great feeling. This is the adjustment for me, too. I'm working hard to stay out there, especially mentally. I know if I'm mentally good, then I can push myself and play good basketball."

PF Nikola Mirotic's 28 points off the bench lift Bulls in win

(3/23/15) Power forward Nikola Mirotic tallied 28 points and 8 rebounds off the bench to lead the Bulls past the Hornets, 98-86.

Mirotic has now scored 25 or more points in four of his last five games.

Career-high 29 for Nikola Mirotic leads Bulls

by Shawn Krest | CBSSports.com

(3/20/15)Nikola Mirotic matched a career high with 29 points off the bench to help lead the Bulls to a 108-92 win over the Raptors on Friday.

Mirotic topped 25 points for the third straight game, hitting 11 of his 21 shots. He added 11 rebounds and blocked four shots for the Bulls.

Mirotic scored 10 points in a four-minute stretch in the first quarter to help put the Bulls out in front.

Mirotic is averaging 20.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in March.

'Just a continuation of what he's been doing,'' coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''It's been a great run for him, and he's doing it. ... It's effortless for him right now.''

The Bulls next play at the Pistons on Saturday.

PF Nikola Mirotic leads Bulls past Pacers

by Dave Peters | CBSSports.com

(3/18/15) Bulls power forward Nikola Mirotic scored 25 points on Wednesday in a victory over the Pacers 103-86.

Mirotic was 8 for 15 from the field with nine rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes on the court. The 24-year-old is averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds this season.

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The Bulls were finally able to get their 2011 first-round pick to come to the NBA, as Nikola Mirotic agreed to a three-year deal with Chicago this offseason. Mirotic blossomed into one of the best players in Europe over the last few years, as he finished as a second-team All-Euroleague player last season for Real Madrid. He averaged 10.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in just 24 minutes per game a year ago, and will likely step into a similar role in a packed Bulls frontcourt. Mirotic might be able to split his time between both forward spots in Chicago, but this is a team with a lot of other more proven options at this point. Mirotic might find playing time somewhat inconsistent, but could emerge as a useful Fantasy option if he gets the minutes. For now, he should be a priority only in long-term Dynasty/keeper leagues on Draft Day.
(Updated 8/26/14)